Source: www.hinducouncil.com.au
AUSTRALIA, June 2, 2009 (press release): Hindus have lived in Australia for many decades, enjoying full religious freedom, and most Australians have been friendly. But recent attacks have targeted students of Indian origin. Originally, most victims were male; but recently, increasing numbers of female Indian students have been robbed. This problem has become prevalent in all major cities. The Hindu Council of Australia has condemned these attacks and called upon the government and the police to punish the culprits and ensure that such deeds are not repeated.
Proposing a multi-faceted approach to the problem, the council said all victimized Indian students should report every case to the police, and the police should take their complaints seriously and act on them.
In addition, the council asked universities to provide hostels, so that students need not travel late at night, and to establish an induction program for new students, designed to encourage the reporting of crimes.
All Australians were urged to write to their politicians expressing their support for keeping our cities safe. The council also asked the state government of Victoria to release students who have been arrested just for protesting, and called upon Indian students to keep their dignity and protest using peaceful, non-violent means only.
[HPI note: it is not clear yet if Hindus in Australia are targeted for racist reasons, or for being considered by robbers preferred victims.]